The Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) looks forward to a better and properous 2017.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all MPA committee members for the assistence and cooperation rendered throughout the year 2016. I also want to thank non-committee members who offered their suggestion and also some constructive criticisms.

These were indeed valuable and much appreciated. MPA hopes to continue to grow and foster better fellowship with members locally whilst engaging in strong relationships with international groups such as ASEAN Pediatric Federation (APF) and Asia Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA). The executive committee of MPA is committed to continue serving the children of our country. Yes, MPA IS committed.

MPA continues to explore collaborative activities with other agencies who have common goals in child health, including Non Governmental Organisations (NGO), Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH). In this regard MPA is carrying out Rheumatic Heart Disease advocacy project in collobration with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), MOH, MOE and National Heart Institute in 2017. MPA will also be collaborating with AAP and MOH in conducting a Child Health Advocacy workshop on 20-21 February 2017 for paediatricians. Two major activities with major partners.

We have plans to diversify and expand our activities in 2017. However it will only be possible if more MPA members come forward to conduct some of these activities. We want to maximise the value of current members and attract new members. We need to be more cohesive.

When the troops are united,
the brave cannot advance alone,
nor can the cowardly retreat.
- Sun Tzu

As paediatricians and MPA members, we need to constantly ask ourselves; Why do we exist? What do we want to achieve? We may be overwhelmed by our daily routines and take the answers to these questions for granted.

Recently a surgeon friend of mine joked with a rhyming statement. He said “You paediatricians handle Major problems in Minors”. We do, don’t we? MPA wants to be sure that we are addressing child health issues, while determining how we can grow by reaching out to young paediatricians and health care providers. Please be inclusive with MPA. Inclusiveness is the key to the survival of any organisation. Transition of leadership in MPA is also vital for MPA’s survival. We need to get younger cohorts on board to fulfil long term missions. We need neophytes with creativity and zest.

MPA has been prompt in responding in mainstream media on various issues related to children including child maltreatment, vaccine hesitancy, tobacco smoking, obesity, high risk behaviours. Members would have read those statements in the media.

We have also written to the Director General of Health for a discussion on pertinent childhealth issues. Hopefully he gives us a date to meet him soon.

Let us start the new year with vigor and reinforced believe that we can do more for the children of our nation.

We are like newborn children,
Our power is the power to grow.- Rabindranath Tagore